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From the editors...
One of our favourite times of the year is here... spring! Full of hope and long days ahead. In our March/April issue we focus on the Easter holidays, making sure you have plenty of family days to look forward to. Check out our ‘Easter holiday fun’ article on pages 16-17 plus our 'What’s On' pages on 18-19 which should give you lots of ideas!
In this issue we include an ‘Open Days’ update on page 9, so you can check out which schools and nurseries you can visit in advance of September. We have a number of education articles for you too, including ‘ChatGPT and your child’ on page 6, ‘How are children assessed at school?’ on page 11 and also read about ‘Your child's speech and language development’ on page 13.
I know we’ll also be checking out the parenting article ‘Cook Once, eat twice’ on page 15sounds like a great way to save a bit of precious time!
Join the Movement for Autism Acceptance This April
April marks the inaugural World Autism Acceptance Month, beginning on World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April and continuing through 30 April. This initiative, led by the National Autistic Society, has a clear mission to promote greater understanding and acceptance of autism, celebrate neurodiversity, and encourage inclusivity worldwide.
Throughout the month, schools, workplaces and supporters across the country will come together to raise awareness and funds. Activities include walking 5k your own way - whether at home, school, or while travelling - or attending one of the vibrant Spectrum Colour Walks hosted in London’s Battersea Park. For those aiming to get creative, there’s also the option to organise your own fundraising event.
All the money raised during World Autism Acceptance Month will go towards building a society that values and supports autistic individuals, fostering an inclusive environment for all. To find out how to get involved, visit www.autism.org.uk
Nursery Places
Local school children help create an exhibition combining a love of football and community
Last month, Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery ran Pride of England, a community-focused exhibition celebrating the diversity, unity and community legacy of the England football teams.
Central to the exhibition were England’s Three Lions sculptures, created from recycled footballs with the help of local children at Pitzhanger and across Ealing. The sculptures are a testament to the borough’s creativity and community spirit. Commissioned for the Football Association, they travelled with the England team to Germany for EURO 2024 before returning as part of the exhibition alongside new portraits of famous footballers and local school children. The exhibition was the result of a successful crowdfunding campaign and artist Matt Small who co-created the sculptures explained “What you learn from young people is that they have infinite energy and take on everything without questioning it. They just get involved and appreciate they can be part of something. This project is something which is about having the opportunity to express yourself. I wanted them to feel a sense of purpose and that their contribution mattered.” www.pitzhanger.org.uk
British Science Week
British Science Week is entering its third decade in 2025, taking place on 7-16 March.
This year’s theme ‘Change and adapt’ seeks to highlight how changing and adapting plays a big part in science and affects all aspects of life. Cities, towns and other areas where people live change and adapt as the world’s population grows, plants and animals change and adapt to their surroundings to survive. Technology has changed exponentially and adapted to our new, busier lives.
During British Science week, events and activities take place across the UK on a huge range of topics at a wide range of venues, including community groups, cultural centres and museums. A FREE activity pack can be downloaded for fun activities at home.
To find a local event or download an activity pack, visit www.britishscienceweek.org
Opening 2026
Multimillion-pound renewal of The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
The Royal Parks charity has confirmed it will undertake a £3 million renewal of the much-loved Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens, which opened in 2000 to commemorate the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
The charity, which manages London’s eight Royal Parks, has revealed the renewed playground will retain the characteristics of the existing Peter Pan-inspired playground but will provide more accessible and inclusive play, as well as challenging physical play, so that children of all abilities can enjoy creative and imaginative play together.
Plans which will feature wheelchair accessible spaces and sustainably sourced timber, include a Galleon, with over three levels, a multiple-level Tree House Encampment with suspension bridge, tunnel slide, rope bridge and a see-saw bridge with a slide. An expansion of the water and sand play area will allow runoff water to be collected and reused for irrigation and new pollinator-friendly planting will improve the playground’s natural setting, alongside new seating and paths to improve access.
Andy Williams, Park Manager, Kensington Gardens says: “It’s been wonderful to welcome millions and millions of children to what is arguably the most famous playground in the world, set against the beautiful backdrop of Kensington Gardens. We’re working with local communities, especially children, to gather and incorporate their feedback into the designs at every stage, so that all children feel welcome and can enjoy free, accessible, creative and social play, fostering their health and wellbeing.” www.royalparks.org.uk
Great British Spring Clean
Make a difference to your local environment by sparing a few hours to take part in the Great British Spring Clean from 21 March to 6 April. The event aims to encourage people across the country, to come together to clean up streets, parks, beaches and other public spaces. Find out more at https://bit.ly/KBTspringclean
‘National crisis' as children's reading enjoyment plummets
Children’s reading enjoyment has fallen to its lowest level in almost two decades, with just one in three young people saying that they enjoy reading in their free time, according to a new survey.
Only 34.6% of eight- to 18-year-olds surveyed by the National Literacy Trust (NLT) said that they enjoy reading in their spare time. This is the lowest level recorded by the charity since it began surveying children about their reading habits 19 years ago, representing an 8.8 percentage point drop since last year. It is also part of a broader downward trend since 2016, when almost two in three children said that they enjoyed reading.
The charity called on the government to form a reading taskforce and action plan because it has got the scale of national crisis and needs to be all our responsibilities to address.
www.literacytrust.org
Little Moments Together launches
The government has launched a campaign to promote a new home learning environment for early years learning and development.
The Department for Education and Department for Health and Social Care's Start for Life ‘Little Moments Together’ campaign aims to educate parents and carers about the importance of brain development in the first five years of a child’s life. and the crucial role they play.
Its goal is to help caregivers better understand how their baby communicates and how to build a secure, loving connection. Experts emphasise that mental health plays a significant role during the critical first 1,001 days of life, shaping a child’s overall well-being.
Parents can now access resources, including the Start for Life website and family hubs, to receive trusted advice. By focusing on connection and understanding, this campaign seeks to replace outdated advice with support that truly nurtures every child's potential.
An increasing area of concern for both schools and parents is how children are incorporating AI into their learning, particularly when they are learning independently.
While AI offers tremendous opportunities to enhance learning, it is also essential to be aware of the potential negative impacts that AI may have. This article explores some of the risks of children using AI in their learning but also provides some guidance for when and how children can use AI in a productive and useful way.
As a teacher, I now frequently use AI tools to assist me in my lesson planning and they have been hugely beneficial in saving my time.
The reason why I am confident in using AI tools is because when AI produces a response, I am able to fact-check it myself. After over ten years of teaching, it is clear to me when AI has produced erroneous information or not responded to my prompt with the information I’m looking for.
However, children, especially younger children, will not have developed this critical faculty as they do not yet have subject expertise. Therefore, children blindly relying on information produced by AI is not conducive to learning.
The main lesson that I impart to my students surrounding the use of AI is: AI cannot do your thinking for you.
Children at all ages need to understand that AI provides a great platform for researching factual information but using AI to come
Prompts and context
Here are a few tips to share with your child if they are using AI tools in their independent learning:
Use precise prompts. AI tools are only as good as the prompts they ar given. The more precise the prompt, the more accurate the response.
For example, if your child is researching the Tudors, instead of using the prompt ‘tell me about the Tudors,’ suggest they are more specific and use a prompt such as ‘give autobiographical details about Henry VIII’. If your child is researching a wide area, discuss prompts they can use and design them together before beginning to use the AI tool.
Provide context. If AI tools are not providing the desired response, try adding more context. For example, if your child is researching the Romans, which is a huge area of history, they should include places and dates to get more specific information e.g. ‘Tell me about the Roman invasion of Britain in AD43.’ This may sound obvious but children will often simply search ‘Roman Britain’ or similar.
up with ideas in creative tasks puts a stop to thinking.
The same applies to tasks where children are being asked to make interpretations or give their opinions on something. There is no viable shortcut for thinking, as the process of deep thought is invaluable in forming neural pathways, which is how children remember information.
AI tools are a part of our present and future and children should engage with them, where appropriate. But schools and parents should be aligned in how to introduce children to AI and help them engage with it safely and responsibly.
Your child’s school may have an AI policy in place, which is worth reviewing if you have any concerns. As this technology continues to evolve, schools are likely to be open to hearing your thoughts and feedback on their AI policies and usage. So don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s school to continue this important conversation!
Erin Miller is a teacher with a keen interest in how research can be used in the classroom to improve learning.
Further guidance for AI use
If your child is using AI tools in their independent learning, try the following to help them to use AI effectively and responsibly:
Encourage your child to go into the sources referenced by the AI and read the full source to check that the information given by the AI tool is accurate.
Start conversations about plagiarism early. Unfortunately, AI has provided a way for children to plagiarise and disguise this plagiarisation. AI is able to produce whole essays or examples of creative writing and these can be put through ‘humanising’ tools, which give the essays a more human voice, making plagiarism harder to detect. Conversations at home about plagiarism will go a long way in helping your child understand the seriousness of academic dishonesty and the harm it will do their own learning in the long term.
Discuss with your child whether AI will help them in their learning task. AI is unlikely to help genuine learning in creative tasks that require imagination but is a fantastic tool for factual research.
Nursery and Schools’ Open Days
Spring 2025
André Malraux Primary School
44 Laurie Road, Hanwell W7 1BL
Wednesday 26 March
9am-10am
To book a visit, contact below: 020 8578 3011 contact.malraux@lyceefrancais.org.uk www.lyceefrancais.org.uk
Clifton Lodge School
8 Mattock Lane, Ealing W5 5BG
Wednesday 19 March
Wednesday 7 May
10.30am to 11.30am
To book a visit, contact below: 020 8579 3662 admissions@cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk www.cliftonlodgeschool.co.uk
Devonshire Day Nursery
Bennett Street, W4 2AH
To book a visit, contact below: 020 8995 9538 devonshire.nursery@childbase.com www.childbasepartnership.com
Durston House
12-14 Castlebar Road, Ealing W5 2DR
Saturday 8 March
10am to 12 noon
To book a visit, contact below: 0208 991 6530 info@durstonhouse.org www.durstonhouse.org
Early Steps on the Common Preschool 7 North Common Road, Ealing, W5 2QA
Les Petite Etoiles Bilingual Montessori 170 Gloucester Terrace, Paddington W2 6HS
To book a visit, contact below: 020 7099 0452 www.lpe.uk/en/visit-paddington
London Welsh School Ysgol Gymraeg Llundain Hanwell Community Centre, Westcott Crescent W7 1PD
Tuesday 29 April (Open Evening)
To book a visit, contact below: 020 8575 0237 info@ysgolgymraegllundain.co.uk www.ysgolgymraegllundain.co.uk
Paint Pots Montessori Nurseries
The Grove, Notting Hill, W11 2RW The Park, Hyde Park, W2 2QD
To book a visit, contact below: 020 7223 0123 registrar@paint-pots.co.uk www.paint-pots.co.uk
All details correct at time of going to press (Feb 25)
Please call the school to check the Open Day or Evening is still going ahead.
How are children assessed at school?
By Zuzu Jordan
As parents, we often wonder how well our children are progressing at school. In which areas do they excel or need additional support? Feedback on their performance is crucial to understanding their learning journey and providing the encouragement they need.
Assessments play an essential role in education, acting as tools to shape and refine the learning experience. Through various assessment methods, teachers can identify each pupil’s strengths and weaknesses, then tailor their lessons to address individual and group needs. These evaluations help teachers set specific learning targets and organise classroom groups effectively to ensure all pupils thrive.
One commonly used method is formative assessment, which includes tests, quizzes and exams. These timed activities provide valuable diagnostic insights into a pupil’s understanding, offering immediate feedback and standardised benchmarks. Results from weekly or half-termly tests can also serve as quick indicators of progress. However, they can sometimes create anxiety for pupils and parents due to their timed nature.
Teachers also assess pupils in numerous other ways, often on a daily basis, while children are encouraged to engage in selfassessment and peer assessment. This involves reflecting on their own work or evaluating their classmates’ efforts. For example, using a writing success criteria checklist, pupils can identify their achievements and where they need to improve.
Not all assessments involve written tasks or time limits. Creative methods, such as presentations and group activities, allow children to demonstrate their understanding in diverse
Statutory tests
The government requires schools to conduct several statutory assessments to gather nationwide data.
All children take a Baseline Assessment in Reception, a short evaluation of early literacy, communication, language and mathematical skills. In Year 1, pupils complete a Phonics Screening Test, with the option of reassessment in Year 2 if needed. National curriculum ‘SATs’ are conducted in Year 2 and Year 6, including a reading paper, three maths papers and a spelling, punctuation and grammar paper.
In Year 4, pupils undergo a multiplication tables check, typically administered in June.
Schools must adhere to strict guidelines when administering these assessments and any necessary adjustments, such as enlarged text or additional time, must be requested through formal channels in advance. Tests are usually conducted in normal classroom settings, with allowances for adults to read questions on certain papers or act as scribes in specific circumstances.
Parents can find detailed guidance about these assessments on the government website at www.bit.ly/ncassessments
and engaging ways. Teachers and support staff also assess informally by asking questions during lessons, observing classroom interactions and marking pupils’ work.
With advances in technology, educators now use innovative tools to make assessments more interactive and informative. Real-time feedback from digital quizzes or classroom apps enables teachers to adjust lessons instantly. For example, if a majority of pupils struggle with a concept, teachers can modify their approach immediately to address misunderstandings.
Ultimately, the goal of assessments is to support learning, not create stress. If your child struggles with timed assessments, practising under timed conditions, improving time management and familiarising them with question types can help. By working together, parents and teachers can ensure that assessments become stepping stones for growth rather than barriers to success.
Zuzu is a Mastery for Maths Specialist who has taught primary for 18 years and is director of Arnett International. For free resources and tips, find her on Instagram edumate_uk
Target setting
After any assessment, teachers have the opportunity to set specific targets for each pupil. Many schools opt to use SMART targets. SMART is an acronym and stands for: S - Specific, M - Measurable, A - Achievable, R - Relevant, T –Time-bound.
Clear SMART targets can accelerate learning more effectively than vague or unclear objectives. They not only guide future interventions and provide support but also motivate children, fostering a sense of responsibility for their own learning.
Targets don’t have to be purely academic; they can also focus on behaviour, personal growth, social skills or emotional development. For instance, a behavioural target might involve improving focus during lessons, while a social target could address building positive relationships with peers.
If a child struggles to meet their target, it may need to be broken down into smaller, more manageable steps. Getting the balance right is essential, as appropriate targets can significantly boost a child’s confidence and self-esteem, ensuring they feel empowered to succeed.
Improving your child’s metacognition
By Usha Patel
In all the stages of learning, we want to encourage curiosity, find out how best a child likes to learn and exploit this to its full potential.
However, what can make the task of learning very difficult, especially for those with neurodivergent conditions such as dyslexia, DCD, ADHD or ASD is that, due to weak executive function skills, children may appear bored easily and be unable to engage for long periods.
In my experience, this stems from many factors; some of which are physical (poor co-ordination), others brain-based (cognitive).
The result is that such children look for activities which deliver instant gratification and they are either not entertained for long or hyper-focused and can’t change pace or activity. This pattern, in turn, creates a vicious cycle of events leading to the point where everything is boring unless it is their choice of activity, usually procedural in nature.
This limits their potential to stretch their way of thinking and how they process their own thoughts – metacognition. Metacognition is ‘thinking about how you think’ and this selfanalysis is the basis of self-improvement.
So how do you help a child improve their way of thinking and engage in developing curiosity?
The first thing is to stop talking and start asking more questions or allow silence to give them space to work it out for themselves. Parents who provide all the answers all the time are not letting their children think for themselves. We want to place the responsibility squarely in their hands.
Whenever they can’t find the butter in the fridge, behind the bowl of yesterday’s evening meal, instead of moving things in the refrigerator, the call comes out: ‘I can’t find the butter!’ This needs to change, so YOU need to change. Don’t do things for them or provide answers until they have tried to work it out for themselves.
The beauty of physical ‘survival’ based activities
When survival is a factor, the brain switches on. Any activity which affects balance is something we have to think about
carefully - we cannot do it routinely. This is why climbing walls are my first point of call for building metacognition.
Children using climbing walls (or climbing trees) need to do many things but most of all they need to avoid falling down! Each hand position, each foot position is thought through and has consequences. This is critical thinking at its best.
Afterwards, there is a lot of self-analysis: was I strong enough? How would I do this next time? This is the metacognition we want to nurture.
After a few goes of the same climbing wall, the activity does become procedural but that’s when it’s time to increase the challenge to the next level for a longer duration.
How does the ship get into the bottle?
Puzzles which make you think but don’t burden the working memory are also good for building metacognition. I like to use simple Sudoku puzzles. You don’t need equipment, a unique space or loads of time.
Unlike a physical puzzle, with Sudoku, you can see the steps taken to solve the puzzle and analyse them. You can then use this analysis next time. This helps build on the metacognition of how to solve the puzzle and how you think.
There are many different variations of Sudoku and the level of complexity can range from beginner to rocket scientist level, making them highly adaptable.
Usha Patel is a Neurocognitive Therapist at Raviv Practice London (www.ravivpracticelondon.co.uk)
Breaking the cycle
Children with poor executive functioning skills may struggle with concentration, which can hinder their ability to focus and persevere. This often leads to boredom and reliance on familiar, procedural activities that require less effort.
Breaking this cycle involves fostering curiosity and metacognition: thinking critically about how they think and approach problems. Parents can support this by allowing children to solve challenges independently, avoiding the tendency to provide immediate answers. This process nurtures critical thinking, responsibility and resilience, essential for long-term development and adaptability.
Your child’s speech and language development
By Kate Lewis and Katie Kennedy
Watching your child’s speech develop over time is very exciting but if they don’t meet or hit expected milestones, you may consider it to be a cause for concern. Please don’t panic though! Speech and language skills develop rapidly in the first years of life and every child progresses at their own pace.
These milestones are general guidelines rather than rigid expectations:
12–18 months: By this age, children typically say their first words and may have a vocabulary of five to twenty words. They begin to name familiar objects, imitate sounds and understand simple commands like ‘Give me the ball.’
18–24 months: Vocabulary grows rapidly during this period. Toddlers may have around fifty words by 18 months and combine two words into simple phrases like ‘want cookie’ or ‘go park.’ They understand more than they can say, following directions like ‘put it in the box.’
2–3 years: By age 2, children often use two to three hundred words and start forming three-or four-word sentences. They begin asking questions like ‘What’s that?’ and can be understood by familiar listeners about half to three quarters of the time.
3–4 years: At this age children typically use longer sentences and have a vocabulary of a thousand words or more by age 4. They can tell simple stories, ask ‘why?’ questions and be understood by strangers most of the time.
Boosting speech and language development
There are lots of things you can do to support your child’s speech and language development:
Books, books and more books! Reading books with your child helps them to build vocabulary and learn sentence structure skills, while sparking imagination and creating opportunities to connect. Keep them engaged by using objects and toys as props – learning is way more fun when you bring meaning to words through real-world experiences.
Copy your child. By repeating the sounds, words and phrases
Take a moment to pause
Life can get busy and chaotic at times, so give yourself permission to pause. Pausing during play to observe your child can help you to better understand why they may be interested in a particular toy or activity and you can use these pauses to build anticipation.
For example, pausing before you give your child something can help to provide them with a communication opportunity. Pausing allows a child space to use and explore the communication methods available to them.
your child says, you build a stronger connection with them, while also letting them know you’re interested in what they have to say, regardless of the form of communication they prefer to use. It might feel strange at first but remember to watch their reactions when they realise you’re joining in with their preferred communication method!
Sing songs and nursery rhymes
Songs and nursery rhymes are repetitive, which helps to build up a child’s understanding of the language used. Children pick up on changes in tone of voice used when we sing which helps to engage them and pique their interest.
Avoid asking questions
For every five things we say to our children, only one of these should be a question. It’s common to ask rhetorical questions during play with our child, even when we’re not expecting them to answer back. Change these questions into comments. Instead of ‘Do you have the car? say ‘You have the car!’
It’s important to remember…
Every child is unique and developing communication should be fun and interactive. Having an awareness of developmental milestones and supporting them with the tips above will stand you in good stead to increase your child’s communication skills.
Kate and Katie are speech and language therapists at Magic Words Therapy which provides a broad range of expert speech and language therapy services for children and adults. Find out more at www.magicwordstherapy.co.uk
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Stories with Symbols
As a boost to your home bookshelf, Stories with Symbols (www.storieswithsymbols.com) is a comprehensive, free online resource designed to support children with language and communication needs. It features compelling videos that pair storytelling with on-screen Widgit communication symbols. The videos aim to spark an interest in reading and books while teaching new words and concepts. Books can be accessible and enriching for all - every book shared is a step towards stronger language and communication skills.
Raising a confident child
By Poppy O’Neill
Confidence comes in many forms - from public speaking to asking for help - and what it takes is different for everybody. As parents, there’s a lot we can do to help foster confidence in our children. With small daily habits, they can develop the type of true confidence that they’ll use throughout their lives. Here are my go-to tips for raising confident kids.
Be patient
True confidence takes time and patience to build. When your child is finding something challenging, slow it right down.
Knowing they can take a step back, say ‘no’ or back out entirely allows your child to progress through baby steps. For example, if there’s anxiety around a school trip, explore their options. Is there something that could make the day easier? What would it be like not to go? When a child can sense they have a bit of wriggle room, it takes the pressure off and helps them make braver choices.
Talk about a time you overcame low confidence
Kids don’t always like talking about feelings, let’s face itconversations about mental health can feel heavy and awkward.
Talking about your own experiences takes the pressure off and lets your child see how someone like them conquered a similar problem.
Sharing stories about your own inner world will help your child feel understood and less alone. Even if your experiences are quite different from theirs, emotions like fear and bravery are something we all share.
Look for ways to make it a tiny bit easier
As much as we’d like to be able to solve all our child’s problems, encouraging them to try to problem solve builds resilience and confidence. We don’t need to sit back and watch them struggle though.
Think instead in terms of supporting them to work things out independently and how you can make things less daunting for them. This could be sitting together while they study for a
dreaded exam, checking in to let them know you’re thinking of them or talking through a big decision with them.
Be on their side
When children feel sure that you are always on their team, that you will treat their wins with pride and their losses with gentleness, it becomes easier for them to take leaps of faith towards their challenges.
One of the worst things about trying and failing is feeling alone, with the difficult emotions failure brings. Equally, it can be isolating to excel; winning can bring its own challenges. Being a stalwart supporter of your child shows them they are definitely not alone, whatever happens.
Gently nudge
When the time is right - and you can trust yourself to know when this is - nudge your child towards what is difficult or challenging for them. By the time we become adults, we know from experience that fear can hold us back from some of the best parts of life; but your child hasn’t yet learned this.
Without shaming or rushing, help your child to understand that trying things is often the only way to know for sure. Never force them to do something as this usually backfires. Instead, after building the foundations for confidence together, be the one who shows them they’re ready to fly.
Poppy O’Neill has written several books on mental wellbeing for children and adults, including the bestsellers Don’t Worry, Be Happy and You’re a Star. Her most recent book, Be Confident is published by Vie Books.
When your child is full of self-doubt
It can be so difficult to hear our children criticise themselves and doubt their abilities. Often, it feels sensible to tell them they’re wrong and counter what they say with praise.
However, it’s usually more helpful to listen and try to identify the emotion underneath their words. Are they scared of failure, rejection or has their pride been wounded? Speak to their emotions and let them know that whatever happens, they will cope and you will be proud and supportive.
Cook once, eat twice
By Sam Milner
As parents who work from home and with hectic family schedules, we take every opportunity to follow the ‘cook once eat twice’ method using our air fryer.
If you have not heard of cooking once and eating twice, the idea is that you double batch a meal, providing enough food for two mealtimes instead of one. It takes a lot of pressure out of meal preparations and if you do this just three times a week, you will soon have a freezer bursting with meals that you can reheat in an air fryer. Then on those nights when you don’t have time to cook at all, you can grab one of your trusted eat twice meals and reheat it from frozen.
If you’re worried that this method will take up too much time, remember the prep time for many cook once, eat twice recipes is often no longer than the prep time for one meal. It’s also worth noting that an air fryer is an independent cooking machine and unlike a pan, you can leave it to do the cooking, freeing you up to attend to other jobs or simply spend time together.
What type of recipes should you be preparing for a cook once, eat twice theme? Anything you would bake in the oven is a good starting point. Or something that would be familiar to you from the ready meals aisle of a supermarket. In other words, the kind of air fryer meals you can freeze in foil containers and then cook in an air fryer in a foil tray, reducing your washing up when you come back for your second batch.
My favourites include lasagne, moussaka, macaroni cheese, enchiladas, curry and other similar oven-friendly recipes that can easily be cooked much faster in the air fryer without the need for preheating.
Make a double batch of the recipe and portion up the first meal
for dinner. Then, as you are doing the washing up, add the second meal to a foil tray. Once cool, label and freeze it. Or you can keep it in the fridge; if you love the recipe, you may want round two the next day! Then as you start to build up a freezer supply you can have a variety of meals a few times a week without feeling like you are in a mealtime rut.
Sam and Dom Milner are the co-authors of Air Fryer Easy Every Day: 140 super-simple delicious recipes (£20, White Lion Publishing) available from www.bookshop.org and founders of www.recipethis.com
Holiday Fun
With two weeks to fill during the Easter holidays, and no shortage of things on offer in and around London, we’ve picked out just a few of our favourite family friendly activities to help pass the time. From Easter egg hunts to family shows, there’s something on offer for everyone. So, whether you’re looking for some outdoor fun or suggestions for how to fill those wet weather days - Happy planning!
This Easter, join London’s Big Egg Hunt to find giant decorated eggs hidden throughout the city. In partnership with Clarence Court, over 100 unique egg sculptures will be displayed in iconic outdoor locations from Monday 24 March to Sunday April 27, transforming London into a vibrant art exhibition. Organised by Elephant Family, a charity striving to protect Asian wildlife, the giant eggs will then be sold at auction to support vital conservation work. www.elephant-family.org/our-work/events/the-big-egg-hunt
If you’re looking for an experience the whole family can enjoy, we loved Bubble Planet in Wembley. Their interactive, multisensory experience encompasses different themed rooms, VR technology and a hot air balloon flight simulator. Even the adults in our party enjoyed the bubble pit! At the time of printing, tickets were only available up until 31 March. Check the website for more dates. 22 Fulton Rd, Wembley HA9 0TF www.bubble-planet.com/london
Buckingham Palace is running two events as part of their Easter offering this year. On Monday 7 and Thursday 10 to Saturday 12 April, follow the Easter trail around the Royal Mews to win a chocolate reward. There will also be sparkling Easter Egg crafts to enjoy for the whole family. Or, on Monday 14 and Thursday 17 April, there’s an opportunity to create your own sparkling Easter Egg, taking inspiration from the shimmering exhibition items on display. FREE with admission. Buckingham Palace SW1A 1AA www.rct.uk/whatson
Whilst their Easter events weren’t yet up online when we went to print, there's so much for kids to explore on board the Cutty Sark. Whether it’s taking part in interactive games or meeting their cast of colourful characters. There’s also a self-led family trail to help you learn the ropes. King William Walk SE10 9HT www.rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark/families
Keep an eye out for Easter themed activities taking place at Chiswick House and Gardens over the Easter weekend, plus enjoy a spring walk in the gardens. Burlington Lane, Chiswick W4 2RP www.chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk/whats-on
Ham House and Garden’s Easter Egg Hunt runs from Saturday 5 to Monday April 21 this year. Don your bunny ears and make your way along the trail to find activities for the whole family and a chocolate egg on completion. Normal admission charges apply. £3.50 per trail. Ham House National Trust, Richmond TW10 7RS www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/ham-house-andgarden
From Thursday 17 to Tuesday 22 April, why not visit the Hampton Court Palace Green Funfair. Open daily from 12 noon til 11pm with a wide range of rides and attractions for children and adults, it’s an ideal day out for the whole family. Also, at Hampton Court Palace this Easter, The Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt returns Saturday 29 March to Monday 21 April. Roam through the iconic gardens keeping your eyes peeled for elusive Lindt Gold Bunny statues peeking out from colourful daffodils or early buds from the tulip festival. Follow the trail and match the names of influential characters to the distinctive red ribbons adorning every statue and collect a chocolate treat as your reward. Don’t forget to visit the Magic Garden whilst you are there and from the 5 to 21 April, see characters from the palace’s illustrious past come to life across the palace and 60-acre gardens. Hampton Court Way, East Molesey KT8 9BW www.irvinleisure.co.uk/upcoming-funfairs/hampton-courtpalace-green-family-funfair www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/whats-on/easterlindt-gold-bunny-hunt
The Spring Fair at the Horniman Museum and Gardens is taking place on Saturday 19 April from 11am-4pm. Practice your circus skills, enjoy traditional fete games, take part in an Easter bonnet parade and discover more about what the natural world is getting up to in spring. 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk/event/horniman-spring-fair
National Trust
Odds Farm Park
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew can offer the whole family lots of fun at Easter. In particular look out for the Children’s Garden specifically designed for ages 2-12. Based in a natural setting the size of 40 tennis courts, children can explore all the things plants need to grow. Children also love ‘The Hive’ and the viewing platforms that allow them to see Kew from the trees. Plus, from Saturday 5 to Friday 25 April, enjoy a spud-tastic family day out with Supertato and his heroic veggie friends. Discover how fruits and veggies grow, enjoy hands-on activities and tackle fun challenges based on the bestselling books. Richmond TW9 3AE www.kew.org/kew-gardens/families www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/supertato
Legoland Windsor Resort reopens for the season on Thursday 13 March. There’s plenty on offer for the whole family to enjoy including the Minifigure Speedway, the world’s first LEGO® themed duelling rollercoaster that not only races forward but also races in reverse and the LEGO® themed indoor golf experience (separate charge applies, but can also be visited separately to the rest of the resort). If you fancy an overnight stay, the LEGOLAND® Woodland Village which opened last year, is the newest addition to the resort. Winkfield Road, Windsor, SL4 4AY www.legoland.co.uk
This year, TFL is turning 25 and the London Transport Museum’s theme for the Easter holidays is Keeping London Moving. From Saturday 5 to Monday 21 April, children can take part in a series of fun activities from storytelling to invention making, to celebrate highlights from the last 25 years and the people who have been part of that journey. Covent Garden Piazza WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/familyevents/easter-holidays-keeping-london-moving
The exhibition Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue is an exciting new interactive and immersive experience that invites longtime Minecrafters, new players and families of all ages to step into the world of Minecraft and become real-life heroes on an interactive quest like no other. Visitors will embark on a 45-minute journey as they explore seven distinctive Minecraftthemed rooms, teaming up to rescue a village under siege from a zombie attack. As heroes, players must save the villagers and gather the vital ingredients needed to cure them, before time runs out. Opens Friday 4 April. Canada Water SE16 7LL www.minecraftexperience.com
Odds Farm Park’s annual Easter event ‘Spring into Easter’ will run from Saturday 5 to Monday 21 April. There will be daily shows featuring Professor Egghead and Henrietta in The Great Eggsperiment, while the Easter Bunny will be making guest
appearances throughout the Easter weekend (Good Friday – Easter Monday). Enjoy all their usual activities throughout the day too. Odds Farm Park, Wooburn Common, Wooburn Green HP10 0LX www.oddsfarm.co.uk
Don’t forget to check our What’s on pages too!
If you’re looking for an alternative to an Easter egg trail this spring, Osterley House are offering an interactive family-friendly trail around the house, garden and parkland, inspired by the Horrible Histories® books. Dive into the world of the Georgians with an interactive family-friendly trail around the house, garden and parkland. Uncover the quirks and scandals of Georgian history while exploring a real Georgian manor house. With no fewer than 10-stops, this interactive trail is designed to entertain children of all ages with a combination of games, activities and historical facts. The trail runs daily until 31 August and is FREE with admission. Osterley House, Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/osterley-park-andhouse
The Paddington Bear™ Experience opened last summer on the Southbank and is a great interactive experience for all ages. Board the train from Paddington station to Windsor Gardens, explore themed rooms, take part in interactive games and solve puzzles in the Peruvian jungle, before heading back to enjoy a very special Windsor Gardens street party.
London County Hall SE1 7GP www.paddingtonbearexperience.com
At the time of printing, the Peter Rabbit Garden Adventure looked set to return for Easter 2025 although no dates had been published. Previously a must for families looking for an immersive adventure that offers something different at Easter, visit www.feverup.com/m/128825 to join the waitlist for information.
Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition runs from Friday 28 March to Sunday 29 June. Includes 8m-high immersive projections, a 360º VR experience, replicas and artefacts directly from Cairo and a world-first hologram unveiling the secrets of Tutankhamun’s mummification.
Excel, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, E16 1XL www.tutankhamunexperience.com/london
From Wednesday 16 to Sunday 27 April, experience the thrill of the world’s most famous ballet, Swan Lake, in a specially adapted version by the English National Ballet, for children aged three upwards. The magician Rothbart has turned Princess Odette into a swan: only at night can she return to human form. Will Prince Siegfried be able to save her, or will he fall for Rothbart’s sorcery? With a narrator to help young viewers follow the story, a shortened version of Tchaikovsky’s wonderful music, beautiful dancing, and gorgeous costumes, this is the perfect introduction to the joy of live ballet and a fantastic family day out. Peacock Theatre WC2A 2HT www.ballet.org.uk/myfirstballet
All events still had availability at the time of going to print (February 2025).
What's On Your family guide to
Ongoing
The Paddington Bear™ Experience at London County Hall
Throughout Mar and Apr
Multi-sensory interactive adventure for all ages London County Hall, Southbank SE1 7GP www.paddingtonbearexperience.com
Spanish Immersion Sessions at St Mary’s Abbot Centre
Wednesdays in Mar and Apr
A playful Spanish adventure! Stories, music, and sensory fun to spark curiosity and language learning. Perfect for under 5s to develop their language skills while having fun. 4pm-4.45pm
St Mary’s Abbot Centre, Vicarage Gate, W8 4HN www.shapinglittleminds.uk/spanish
Messy Play Sessions at St Mary’s Abbot Centre
Thursdays in Mar and Apr
Messy play for children aged 6 months to 4 years. Weekly themes with homemade and edible messy play, storytelling, bubbles, music and more. 10.30-11.15am
St Mary’s Abbot Centre, Vicarage Gate, W8 4HN www.shapinglittleminds.uk
Family Fun Weekend at Cutty Sark
First weekend of every month FREE with entry to the ship. Cutty Sark, King William Walk SE10 9HT www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/cutty-sark/familyfun-weekend
Gorgeous Georgians trail at Osterley Park & House
Until Sun 31 Aug
Discover the quirks and scandals of Georgian life with fun and educational activities inspired by the bestselling Horrible Histories. Free with admission. Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london
March
The Flight of Babushka Baboon at The Puppet Theatre Barge Weekends in Mar until Mar 30
String marionettes, shadow puppets and moving poetry. 4-10yrs
Puppet Theatre Barge, Little Venice W9 2PF www.puppetbarge.com
Angelica Sprocket’s Pockets at The Lyric Theatre Hammersmith Sat 1 Mar
Live music, puppetry, interactive fun, and a dash of delightful chaos! Perfect for 3-10 yrs. 11am & 1pm Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Lyric Square, King St W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk/shows/angelica-sprocketspockets
Home Song at The Unicorn Theatre
Sat 1 Mar-Sun 9 March
An interactive musical adventure across continents. 6-18 months. Pre-booking essential. Unicorn Theatre 147 Tooley St SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com/events/home-song
The Pea and the Princess at the Polka Theatre
Sat 1 Mar-Sun 30 Mar
Featuring super catchy songs, some familiar fairytale faces and a brand-new twist-in-the-tale 3-7yrs.
Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com/event/the-pea-and-theprincess
Miniature Travelling Circus at the Little Angel Theatre
Sat 1 Mar-Sat 19 Apr
Beautiful puppets, nostalgic magic tricks and acts so tiny you may wonder how you can possibly see them 2-5yrs.
Little Angel Theatre 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN www.littleangeltheatre.com/whats-on
A Squash and a Squeeze at the Little Angel Studios
Sat 1 Mar-Sun 27 Apr
Based on the original book A Squash and a Squeeze by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler 3-8yrs.
Little Angel Studios, Sebbon St N1 2EH www.littleangeltheatre.com/whats-on
Duck Pond Market at Chiswick House and Gardens
Sun 2 Mar
Street food, gifts, crafts and great coffee! 10am-4pm
Chiswick House & Gardens, Burlington Lane W4 2RP www.duckpondmarket.com
Adventure Babies at Natural History Museum
Every Tue in Mar
Sensory storytelling class designed to boost baby’s development and nurture a love for books. Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk/events/adventure-babies
Mini Makers at Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery Fri 7 Mar
Child-led activities and art-making, including building and painting with cardboard and other materials, sensory play, drawing, and more. 1-5 yrs.
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, Ealing Green W5 5EQ www.pitzhanger.org.uk/whatson/mini-makers
Fridays Froglets at London Wetland Centre Fri 7 Mar
Play in nature, learn new songs and share stories, make nature crafts and finish with quiet time around a fire. Also runs on 14, 21 and 28 March. Queen Elizabeth Walk SW13 9WT www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london/ whats-on
Family and Children’s Tour at The Musical Museum
Sat 8 Mar
interactive tour designed especially for children. 2pm–3pm
399 High Street, Brentford TW8 0DU https://www.musicalmuseum.co.uk
Chiffonnade at the Polka Theatre
Sat 8 Mar-Sun 9 Mar
Dance theatre for the whole family 5-10yrs. Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com/event/chiffonnade
Puffling Percy at The Lyric Theatre Hammersmith
Sat 8 Mar
An uplifting children’s show for 4-11 year olds about friendship, overcoming self-doubt and trusting your own instincts. 11.00am & 1.00pm Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Lyric Square, King St W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk/shows/puffling-percy
Singing, Stories & Crafts for under 5s at The London Transport Museum Fri 14, 21 & 28 Mar
15 minutes of craft and 30 minutes of interactive singing and storytelling London Transport Museum, Covent Garden WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on
Cinderella Ice Cream Seller at The Lyric Theatre Hammersmith Sat 15 Mar
New musical for families and children. 5+ yrs. 11am & 1pm Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Lyric Square, King St W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk/shows/cinderella-ice-creamseller
Disney Jnr Live on Tour at the Polka Theatre Sat 15 Mar-Sun 16 Mar
Sing along with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Ginny, Bitsy and Ariel. Then, swing into action with Marvel's Spidey and his amazing friends! Royal Festival Hall, Southbank, SE1 8XX www.disneytickets.co.uk/disney-jr-live-on-tourtickets
Mini Makers at Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery Fri 21 Mar
Child-led activities and art-making, including building and painting with cardboard and other materials, sensory play, drawing and more. 1-5 yrs.
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, Ealing Green W5 5EQ www.pitzhanger.org.uk/whatson/mini-makers
Email editor@familieswest.co.uk with any events. Event times and dates do change, please try and check that an event is still going ahead before you head out.
Three Little Vikings at The Lyric Theatre Hammersmith Sat 22 Mar
Three Little Vikings is all about cooperation, bravery, and getting your voice heard! 3+ yrs. 11am & 1pm Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, Lyric Square, King St W6 0QL www.lyric.co.uk/shows/three-little-vikings
Sisters 360 at the Polka Theatre Sat 22 Mar-Sun 27 Apr
Fatima and Salima are the closest, coolest, hijabi step-sisters in all of Bradford and they plan to win the Tiny is Mighty skateboarding competition. 8-12yrs
Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB www.polkatheatre.com/event/sisters-360
Beegu at The Unicorn Theatre Sat 22 Mar-Sun 4 May
Much-loved tale about friendship, respect and the importance of including others. 3-7yrs. Prebooking essential.
Unicorn Theatre 147 Tooley St SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com/events/beegu
FUNharmonics: The Snail and the Whale at the Southbank Centre Sun 23 Mar
Set sail with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and two unlikely friends on an ocean adventure for families, in this musical adaptation of the well-loved tale. 12pm 5+yrs
Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on
Wimbledon Baby Brunch at Rushmere Tue 25 Mar
Meet new friends for you and your little one. Enjoy brunch and a 30min music session. Rushmere, 89 Ridgway SW19 4SU www.babytalk.uk
Little Night at The Unicorn Theatre Sat 29 Mar-Sun 19 Apr
Multi-sensory interactive show 18month-4yrs. Pre-booking essential.
Unicorn Theatre 147 Tooley St SE1 2HZ www.unicorntheatre.com/events/little-night
Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt at Hampton Court Palace Sat 29 Mar-Mon 21 Apr
Follow the trail for a chocolate treat. Hampton Court Way, East Molesey KT8 9BW www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/whatson
April
Adventure Babies at Natural History Museum Tue 1 Apr
Sensory storytelling class designed to boost baby’s development and nurture a love for books. Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road SW7 5BD www.nhm.ac.uk/events/adventure-babies
Singing, Stories & Crafts for under 5s at The London Transport Museum Fri 4 Apr
15 minutes of craft and 30 minutes of interactive singing and storytelling. London Transport Museum, Covent Garden WC2E 7BB www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on
Plant at The Lyric Theatre Hammersmith Sat 5 Apr
If you go down to the woods today who knows what you might find... A Squirrel busy at work. A Pigeon lost and far from home. Plant will leave audiences feeling like they’ve spent an hour in the woods. 3-6 yrs. 11am & 1pm
Mama G on an award winning, panto adventure for the whole family. 1pm and 4pm. 3+yrs. Questors Theatre, Ealing W5 5BQ www.questors.org.uk/whatson.aspx
Duck Pond Market at Chiswick House and Gardens
Sun 6 Apr
Street food, gifts, crafts and great coffee! 10am-4pm
Chiswick House & Gardens, W4 2RP www.duckpondmarket.com
Spring into Easter at Odds Farm Park Sat 5 Apr-Mon 21 Apr
There will be daily shows featuring Professor Egghead and Henrietta in The Great Eggsperiment, while the Easter Bunny will be making guest appearances throughout the Easter weekend (Good Friday–Easter Monday). Wooburn Common Road, Wooburn Green HP10 0LX www.oddsfarm.co.uk
Easter Egg Hunt at Ham House and Garden Sat 5 Apr-Mon 21 Apr
Make your way along the trail and find activities for the whole family. Normal admission charges apply. £3.50 per trail
Ham House National Trust, Richmond TW10 7RS www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/hamhouse-and-garden
Celebrating Turner 250 at Windsor Castle Sat 5 Apr-Wed 23 Apr
FREE with entry to the castle. Get creative with some Turner-inspired arts and crafts. Make a memento to take home and enjoy a free trail as you further explore the Castle. Castle closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Windsor Castle, Pug Yard Learning Centre www.rct.uk/whatson
Supertato at Kew Gardens
Sat 5 Apr-Fri 25 Apr
Hands-on activities and fun challenges based on the bestselling books. Kew Gardens, Richmond TW9 3AE www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/supertato
Chicken Licken at the Polka Theatre Sat 5 Apr-Sun 11 May
Live music, songs, puppetry and fun combine to tell this classic tale. 3-7yrs
Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB
www.polkatheatre.com/event/chickenlicken-2025
The Ultimate Bubble Show at the Questors Theatre Sun 6 Apr
Guinness World Record Holder Ray Bubbles is on a mission to master the art of bubble-making and create the ultimate square bubble! 11am and 1pm. Questors Theatre, 12 Mattock Lane, Ealing W5 5BQ www.questors.org.uk/whatson.aspx
Sparkling Edwardian Easter at Buckingham Palace
Mon 7 Apr and Thur 10 Apr-Sat 12 Apr
Easter trail around the Royal Mews, follow the clues and win a chocolate reward! There will also be sparkling Easter Egg crafts to enjoy for the whole family. FREE with admission Buckingham Palace SW1A 1AA www.rct.uk/event/easter-eggexpedition-04-2025
Drop off Day at Iver Environmental Centre Tue 8 Apr
Book in advance for 7-11 yr olds. Activities from 10am-4pm Slough Road, Iver SL0 0EB https://iverenvironmentcentre.org
The Tempest Family workshop 5-8 yrs at The Globe Sat 12 Apr
Bring Shakespeare’s The Tempest to life in this fun and practical workshop. 12.30pm Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on
Family and Children’s Tour at The Musical Museum
Sat 12 Apr
interactive tour designed especially for children. 2pm–3pm 399 High Street, Brentford TW8 0DU www.musicalmuseum.co.uk
The Tempest Family workshop 9-12 yrs at The Globe Sat 12 Apr-Sun 13 Apr
Bring Shakespeare’s The Tempest to life in this fun and practical workshop. Sat 12.30pm and 3pm. Sun 12.00pm and 2pm
Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside SE1 9DT www.shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on
Sparkling Edwardian Easter at Buckingham Palace
Mon 14 Apr and Thur 17 Apr
Take inspiration from the shimmering exhibition items and create your own sparkling Easter Egg. Free with admission
Swan Lake at The Peacock Theatre Wed 16 Apr-Sun 27 Apr
Experience the thrill of the world’s most famous ballet, in this specially adapted version for children aged three upwards.
Peacock Theatre, Portugal St WC2A 2HT www.ballet.org.uk/myfirstballet
The Lion Inside at the Southbank Centre Thur 17 Apr-Sun 20 Apr
Stage adaptation featuring puppetry, music and song, based on the best-selling story by Rachel Bright & Jim Field. 3+ yrs.
Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on
Funfair at Hampton Court Palace Green Thur 17 Apr-Tue 22 Apr
Hampton Court Way, East Molesey KT8 9BW Rides and attractions for children and adults www.irvinleisure.co.uk/upcoming-funfairs
Simmer Down: Good Friday Family Special at the Southbank Centre Fri 18 Apr
All ages edition of the free monthly meet-up and daytime dance, that’ll have you grooving in the heart of London. 1pm
Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on
Jham! at the Southbank Centre
Sat 19 Apr
Playful and energetic collaboration between Indian dancers and musicians that highlights the rhythmic play between the ancient and the modern. 5+ yrs.
Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre SE1 8XX www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on
Spring Fair at the Horniman Museum and Gardens
Sat 19 Apr
Seasonal fun and games
100 London Road, Forest Hill SE23 3PQ www.horniman.ac.uk/event/horniman-springfair
Adventure Babies at Natural History Museum Tue 22 Apr
Natural History Museum, Cromwell road SW7 5BD Sensory storytelling class designed to boost baby’s development and nurture a love for books. www.nhm.ac.uk/events/adventure-babies
Don't forget to say you saw these events listed in Families West London magazine!
Acclaimed family-friendly UK museums
Compiled by Andrew Campbell
The UK is brimming with ‘must-see’ museums with plenty for families to explore. Engage with history in Nottinghamshire, spark young imaginations in London and see art come to life in Margate! Here are our top picks. All the museums featured have either won or been shortlisted in the Family-Friendly Museum Awards 2024 by Kids in Museums (www.kidsinmuseums.org.uk)
WINNER
Best Museum
Youth Group
The Tees Valley Museums, Teeside
An exciting world of discovery for children awaits at these five museums, with hands-on exhibits, interactive displays and workshops that make learning fun. Each museum features unique activities, from exploring local history to engaging in creative art sessions. Kids can enjoy playful educational experiences in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Endless opportunities for fun and imagination! www.teesvalleymuseums.org
National Galleries Scotland, Edinburgh
Shortlisted Best Large Museum
Children can immerse themselves in a variety of creative activities ranging from hands-on art workshops to storytelling sessions inspired by the gallery’s iconic artworks. Interactive stations allow young visitors to experiment with colours and shapes and families can join fun-filled events that explore different art techniques or engage in treasure hunts designed to uncover artistic treasures. www.nationalgalleries.org
Science and Industry Museum
Science and Industry Museum, Manchester
Shortlisted for Best Large Museum
Delve into a world of discovery through exciting, hands-on activities that bring science and technology to life! From building circuits to experimenting with forces in interactive zones, there’s something to spark curiosity in every little scientist. Families can join creative workshops, take part in live demonstrations or enjoy fun-filled science shows. www.scienceandindustry museum.org.uk
Young V&A, London
A vibrant hub of creativity designed to inspire young minds. Celebrating art, design and performance, it houses interactive exhibits, hands-on workshops and captivating displays tailored for children and families. Highlights include iconic toys, playful installations and opportunities to explore imaginative spaces. The museum fosters creativity and curiosity in young audiences and is a must-visit destination for families seeking an unforgettable experience. www.vam.ac.uk/young
The Turner Contemporary, Margate, Kent Offers a fantastic experience for children, with interactive exhibits and family-friendly activities that bring art to life. Kids can explore creative workshops, hands-on art projects and playful installations, sparking their imagination and curiosity. The gallery’s welcoming atmosphere and engaging programmes ensure a fun and educational visit for families. Overlooking Margate’s beautiful coastline, it’s the perfect place for children to discover a love for art and creativity. www.turnercontemporary.org
Museum of Making, Derby, Derbyshire
Shortlisted for Best Medium Museum
Discover an incredible space where children can engage with interactive exhibits showcasing creativity and innovation. Kids will revel in hands-on activities, like building and creating in dedicated workshops, while interactive displays unravel the wonders of design and technology. Educational programmes inspire and encourage exploration. www.derbymuseums.org
WINNER Best Accessssible Museum
The Cooper Gallery, Barnsley, South Yorkshire
An opportunity for an enriching and fun experience for children. With interactive art displays, creative workshops and family-friendly activities, the Gallery is perfect for sparking young imaginations. Kids can explore art through hands-on sessions and exciting exhibits designed just for them. The gallery’s welcoming vibe and dedicated children’s programmes make it a great option for a day out. www.cooper-gallery.com
National Civil War Centre, Newark, Nottinghamshire
Take a fascinating glimpse into England’s tumultuous past! Dedicated to preserving Civil War history, it boasts immersive exhibits, rare artifacts and interactive displays that bring the 17th-century conflict to life. Visitors can explore pivotal moments of the English Civil War, including Newark’s significance as a royalist stronghold. With knowledgeable guides and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s a top choice for history lovers and the curious! www.nationalcivilwarcentre. com
